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[caption id="attachment_1980" align="alignleft" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-1980  " title="Temecula's Pink Puffers" alt="Temecula's Pink Puffers" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/FOT8C8C2-300x163.jpg" width="300" height="163" /> SJVC Temecula's team managed to win 3rd place in the national Sputum Bowl.[/caption]

Ever since Hesperia’s <i>Pink Puffers </i>brought home a 1<sup>St</sup> Place victory in last May’s State Sputum Bowl competition, the team has been in intense training for the National stage. “They worked very hard these last few months to prepare themselves to compete on a national level,” says William Hall, <a title="SJVC Temecula" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/temecula/" target="_blank">Temecula</a> RT Program Director.

Team members <b>Cheryl Stansbury</b>, <b>Ian Peterson</b>, <b>Anthony Cocilova</b> and <b>Alyssa Reber</b>, along with <b>coach Shannon Cocilova</b>, drilled each other on questions they might anticipate during the heated rounds against <a title="Respiratory Therapy program" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/respiratory-therapy/" target="_blank">Respiratory Therapy</a> students from all over the nation. They were secure in their knowledge and skill level, as well as their strong teamwork.

The National Convention and Sputum Bowl competition took place in Anaheim November 16-19 at the Convention Center. The student competition was comprised of 18-college teams of 4-students each, all poised to take the Winner’s Circle.

SJVC’s <i>Pink Puffers</i> was undefeated going into the final rounds on the last night of the conference, finally losing out in the single-elimination contest.

The <i>Puffers</i> did not come home empty-handed, however. Not only did they secure Third Place in the Bowl, their competitors voted them to receive the Fred M. Helmholz Sportsmanship Award.

“This sportsmanship award is a testament to the fact that they played well, worked well together and interacted with competitive teams in an honorable and professional manner,” says Hall. “We are very proud of their performance.”

The four-day conference was an opportunity for students, RT graduates and RT professionals in the field to meet, share information and sharpen knowledge and skills. The conference drew thousands from across the nation to hear lectures from leaders in the field and visit vendor booths presenting the latest respiratory care technology.

“This was a great experience for our students,” says Hall. “And, because of their win, they will be known all over the state and the nation.”

Their 3<sup>rd</sup> Place win and Sportsmanship Award will also fit nicely on future resumes.